The concept of tafsir in Islam.

1. The concept of tafsir is very important in Islam. What is tafsir and why it is
   important?
2. Abrogation (naskh) is an important concept in Qur’anic studies. Discuss the concept
   of abrogation in the Qur’an.
3. The Qur’an states the differences between men and women in the following verses:
   “Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given the one
   more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from their means.
   Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient, and guard in (the husband’s)
   absence what God would have them guard” (4:34). What is your social assessment of
   this Qur’anic statement? Explain.
4. Although diverse, the Muslim view of marriage is well developed. Generally, all
   Muslims are in agreement that a marriage is a contract between a man and a woman.
   The Qur’an notes that: “A Muslim man may marry up to four wives, granted that he
   treat them equally and provide for each of them” (4:3). Can there be a justifiable basis
   for polygyny in society? Discuss.
5. One of the most distinct features of the Qurʾan is that it repeatedly encourages its
   readers to think and reflect. The Qur’an is critical of blind following and invites its
   readers to avoid blindly adopting the beliefs society or family impose on them in its
   attempt to liberate the mind from prejudices and narrow-mindedness. Thus, the
   Qurʾan says: “Verily! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the
   alternation of night and day, there are indeed signs for men of understanding. Those
   who remember Allah, standing, sitting, and reclining, and reflect on the creation of
   the heavens and the earth, (and say): Our Lord! You have not created this in vain.
   Glory be to You! Protect us from the torment of the fire” (3:190-191). Why it is
   important to only adhere to the beliefs and values espoused by the Qur’an and avoid
   blindly adopting the beliefs and values of the family or society? Examine.
6. In Islamic tradition the Qur’an is a divine-to-human communication. In this
   communication Allah speaks to humanity through Prophet Muhammad to whom the
   Qur’an was revealed. Apparently, the Qur’an was not given to Prophet Muhammad in
   the form of a complete book but the revelation came out of a complicated dialogue in
   a discursive manner incrementally over a period of 23 years beginning on 22
   December 609 CE when Prophet Muhammad was 40 years old and concluding in 632,
   the year of his death. Why was the Qur’an revealed in a discursive manner
   incrementally over a period of 23 years and not in the form of a complete book?
   Explain.

Sample Solution